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One County One Card orange text on blue map


Project Overview

As of May 2019, Cochise County residents may use their existing library cards at any public library location countywide.

The twelve libraries in Cochise County have freely shared books and library materials for decades, and have offered a shared online library catalog since 1997.  The libraries welcome all county residents who wish to use their services, but until the completion of One County, Once Card, library users have been required to apply for a separate account at each library they visited.

One County, One Card was a joint project of the Cochise County Library District, its rural branches, and the seven municipal libraries in Cochise County.  The libraries began working toward implementation in early 2017.  Over the next two years the libraries adopted a modern online library catalog, removed outdated and inactive records from the library database, began accepting credit card payments, and established a process for accepting library cards issued at other libraries.

Completing the One Card project means added convenience for library users, and added efficiency for library staff and volunteers.  

Look for answers to frequently asked questions about the project below.  

If you have a question or concern that is not addressed, please check with your library or contact Cochise County Library District Director Amadee Ricketts (aricketts@cochise.az.gov / 520-432-8935).




Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions to read the answers.

Which libraries are included in the One Card project?


Do I need to get a new library card?


I already use several libraries in Cochise County, and have cards from each of them.  Can I just keep using the cards I have?


I only use one library.  HOw does this project affect me?


I lost a book from one of the libraries years ago, then moved to another town and started using the library there.  Is that lost book still on my account?


Do all the libraries have the same circulation rules now that One Card is in effect?


I have a card at one of the rural branches (Bowie, Elfrida, Portal, Sunizona, Sunsites), and I can already use it at the other branch locations.  Is that the same as One Card?


Are all library materials shared between library locations?


I have been hearing about this project for quite a while.  Why has it taken so long?


My question is not addressed here.  Who should I ask?

 

 Orange library card with better together slogan  

 


 



Which libraries are included in the One Card project?

All public libraries in Cochise County are participating. 

This includes the municipal libraries in Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Huachuca City, Sierra Vista, Tombstone, and Willcox, as well as the branch libraries in Bowie, Elfrida, Portal, Sunsites, and Sunizona, which are operated by the Library District.


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Do I need to get a new library card?

No.  Existing library cards from any location may be used at any other location.  If you have one library card now, and it is in good standing, you are all set.


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I already use several libraries in Cochise County, and have cards from each of them.  Can I just keep using the cards I have?

Eliminating duplicate records is a key part of this project, but you can keep using a card of your choice. 

As of May 2019, cards identified in the system as duplicates have been blocked.  Unblocking your account is simple.  Just check in at any library where you have an account, and you will be asked to update your account details and select a “home library” location.  The card from your home library will remain active, and it will work at every other library. 

Duplicate accounts from other locations will be deleted.

 

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I only use one library.  How does this project affect me?

You will not see any big changes, although you are welcome to use any library locations that are convenient for you.

The most significant change you are likely to notice is that the online catalog now gives you the option of picking up holds at any library location.  In most cases, your “home library” will be the default choice. 

 

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I lost a book from one of the libraries years ago, then moved to another town and started using the library there.  Is that lost book still on my account?

Probably!  Each library is funded by local taxpayers, and library materials belong to the public.  The libraries are obligated to make every effort to recover lost items, or the cost of replacing them. 

If you are not sure about the status of a library account, check in with the individual library or contact the Library District. 

If you know you have charges on a library account, most of the libraries can accept credit card payments online.  Simply log in to your account and click on the Fines tab to see the amount due and any payment options:

screen shot of fine tab


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Do all the libraries have the same circulation rules now that One Card has taken effect?

The libraries have agreed to a few core rules, like a ten-day checkout period for new books countywide.  Other rules still vary by library. 

When you check out materials, the checkout period and any limits will be set according to the library where you check out, rather than your home library or the library that owns the items.


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I have a card at one of the rural branches (Bowie, Elfrida, Portal, Sunizona, Sunsites), and I can already use it at the other branch locations.  Is that the same as One Card?

Yes.  Accepting library cards between the rural branches was one of the early steps toward making library cards work countywide. 

If you also have a card from one of the municipal libraries (Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Huachuca City, Sierra Vista, Tombstone, or Willcox), you will still be asked to choose a “home library” so that the Library District can eliminate duplicate accounts.


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Are all library materials shared between library locations?

Nearly all materials are shared. 

One of the steps toward implementing One Card was eliminating “Local Request” restrictions that stopped new books from moving between libraries.  Patrons of the owning library still get priority access, but any patron may place the item on hold and check it out. 

A few special item types are still limited to a single location.  These include grant-funded Wi-Fi Hotspots at several libraries, and sporting equipment available in Sierra Vista and Bisbee.


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I have been hearing about this project for quite a while.  Why has it taken so long?

You are right that the One Card project has been in the works for a long time.  It was first discussed as early as 2006, but other priorities kept it from moving forward right away.  The current One Card project began in early 2017. 

The complexity of the project stemmed from the way the Library District is structured.  Member libraries are operated by their cities or towns, and the rural branches are operated by the District.  The libraries have worked cooperatively for more than 30 years, but they developed very different rules and procedures during that time. 

Working out the practical elements of One Card required careful planning.  We think the end results are worth the wait!   


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My question is not addressed here.  Who should I ask?

Check with staff at your local library, or contact Cochise County Library District Director Amadee Ricketts (aricketts@cochise.az.gov / 520-432-8935).

 

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